Carrie, Julie and I went out for dinner in San Francisco. There was no parking near the restaurant. Julie decided to drop us off. She told us she parked a couple of blocks away. When we left the restaurant, she told us to wait and she was going to get the car.

It’s the little acts that mean so much.

I have been challenged by my family to shop at Trader Joe’s. Ari even took me there on a field trip to educate me about the store. I finally went. I bought a few items. I can understand why people favor the store. I am already patterned to three other places.

I make no promises.

I just read The Widow, John Grisham’s fiftieth book. I have read all of his books and have never been disappointed. Now I have to wait for the next one.

I can delay gratification.

Julie is making guacamole to take to Erik’s home when the family watches the Lion’s game. Since she is coming from Santa Monica, she asked me to pick up the ingredients. I was told to only buy the avocados ahead. Everything else the day before. Julie has her definition of fresh. I do not agree that the timing has to be that close.

Amazing my kids have survived with so many years of me shopping for and preparing the food.

Thanksgiving dinner is all arranged. Everyone is contributing an item for the menu. And then, spontaneously, I remembered Isaac asking a couple of years ago, if I would make a kugel, one of his favorites. I will, of course. We will have two stuffings, mashed potatoes, and kugel.

Variety for the starch options!

A group of women are getting together for a Hanukah dinner. Each person will bring something for the meal. No one likes to cook anymore. We will also bring a gift. I decided to bring an indoor plant in a lovely pot.

Hopefully someone does not hate watering.

Thanksgiving is in three weeks. All guests are bringing something. Julie is going to make a dessert here. She has also been told to bring something to Erik’s house when they meet to watch the Lions game. Thus far, my shopping list includes honey crisp apples, green beans and avocadoes. Other ingredients may be needed that I don’t have on hand.

I guess an inquiry would be wise.

Jules was sick. Sore throat, brief fever, coughing, congestion in her eyes, sleepy, body aches. It went on for days. She finally went to the doctor and was told she had a viral infection and there was no medication to take. I am six hours away by car. I wanted to be with her.

Always the Mommy.

I do not put my porch light on. I do not give out treats. But I want to acknowledge the two children next door. I took a paper bag and put candy in it with a package of post it notes and a pencil. I will place it on their front porch the day before with their names on the bag. Seems like balanced contents, doesn’t it?

I have learned that this is a great risk, particularly when one is older. I recall when I had a brain bleed and was hospitalized. My friend Marjie died after a fall. A close relative of a friend fell and has hospice care now. Fragile bones and hitting one’s head makes falling very dangerous. I no longer walk in the dark.

Be careful.